by Robin Roseau
“Nineteen, Your Highness.”
“I am trying to understand. Lord Bijean is your uncle.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
I paused. “You know what? Let’s drop the Your Highness thing. I am Darfelsa, Lyndis.”
“I’d like that, Darfelsa.”
I gestured. “Let us sit. Tea should be along shortly.” I guided her to the love seat, then sat down beside her, partially facing her. She sat with her hands in her lap, watching me carefully.
“Do you understand my confusion?”
“I’m sorry, Darfelsa.”
“Your uncle is quite elderly.”
“Ah. My uncle is married to my aunt, who is somewhat younger.”
“But still not young.”
“She is my father’s older sister,” Lyndis continued. “And my mother is younger still. And I am my parents’ youngest.”
“My mother gave me few clues what to expect. She told me I would find you attractive, sweet, and charming. How do you feel about that?”
“I can imagine many descriptions would be far worse, Darfelsa. How am I doing so far?”
“Is that a serious question?”
She hadn’t stopped smiling, but it broadened. “Why wouldn’t it be?”
“You are quite lovely,” I declared.
There was a knock, and then it was Renishta who brought in the tea cart rather than one of the maids. I provided an introduction as Renishta poured for us, and then we waited until she had left before talking again.
“Whose idea was this?” I asked.
“Have I done something wrong already, Princess?”
“Yes. I asked you to use my name.”
“You have a reputation, Darfelsa.”
“Oh?”
“Your male suitors don’t last long. I’m not here for show, or to prove something. To answer your question: this was entirely my idea. I talked to Mother first, and she advised I warn my uncle, but I approached your mother myself. Is my suit to be given serious consideration, or should I expect to be passed by in several weeks?” Then she smiled. “You also have a reputation for preferring someone who can be direct.”
“Do you have the vaguest idea what you’re doing?”
She sipped from her tea, looking exceedingly lovely while doing so. Then she set her cup aside. “You seem angry.” She dropped her gaze, and even that was lovely. “My apologies. I’ll go.”
She didn’t move, and I couldn’t tell if she were playing a game, but I knew if I asked her to leave, she would. Instead, I set my hand on her arm. “I’m not angry,” I said gently. “You have done nothing wrong. I have been ungracious, and I apologize.”
“Forgotten,” she said, looking up at me again. “Darfelsa, if you were the prince instead of the princess, would you have asked me if I knew what I was doing?”
“I imagine if I were some boy, I would have been so blinded by your smile that I could hardly think of asking such a question.”
She laughed, and somehow, by the end of it, we were holding hands. I’m fairly sure she engineered it, but I couldn't have explained how. But we held hands, and that wouldn’t end any time soon.
But then I said, “I’d still like an answer.”
“I did not grow up in a noble household,” she declared. “We are sword makers. My grandfather was the guild master. That is how my uncle met my aunt. However, I did grow up in the household of the sword makers guild master, and I also have spent my share of time at my uncle’s table.”
“I’m not questioning your family, Lyndis.”
“I know things, or I believe I do,” she continued. “I know that you are expected to have seriously considered at least three possible suitors. And I know that you will be taken more seriously if some of them have, at the very least, ties to nobility. I do not believe anyone is going to believe you took any of the men seriously. If that was your intention, you should have kept one or two much longer.”
“I felt guilty,” I said. “It felt like lying.”
“Tell me, then. Will spending time with me feel like lying?”
I considered what she was asking and then said, “No, I do not believe it will.”
“Good.” With her free hand, she picked up her tea. She sipped, then asked, “What do we do now?”
“We get to know each other,” I said. “You know everything about me, so this should be one-sided.”
She laughed. “I know the things the public knows, but do you really think I know everything about you, Darfelsa?”
“I suppose not, but we’re going to talk about you first. Your family makes swords.”
“And you want to know if I am involved in the business.”
“Yes.”
“I am,” she replied. “I hold the rank of journeywoman sword maker. Are you about to suggest a woman of my stature can’t make a sword?”
“No,” I said.
“When working alone, it takes me longer than it does one of my brothers, and that is entirely due to my size. But I have taken to using one or two stout lads to assist me for certain portions.” But then she frowned, pulled her hand from me, and removed her gloves. I said nothing, but then Lyndis turned more fully towards me and offered both her hands, palms up.
Puzzled, I took her hands. “I don’t understand.”
“Feel,” she said. “Maybe take off your gloves.”
I still didn’t understand, but I withdrew them then took her hands. I gave her another look.
“Your hands are soft,” she said.
“Ah.” At that, I noticed the callouses.
“I have scars,” she added.
“Lyndis,” I said gently. “Do you mind if I take a small liberty?”
It was her turn to offer a puzzled expression, but she simply said, “No.”
And so I lifted one hand and, while watching her, I kissed the palm. Her breath caught, but she didn’t pull her hands away when I treated the other the same way. It was something Gretchena had done to me more than once, and I rather thought my reaction perhaps matched Lyndis’s now. I smiled. “So, we’re sharing reasons the other might not want to pursue this?”
“Sure,” she agreed.
I brushed a finger over one of her callouses. “Is this your worst?”
“Probably not. I might know my way around Uncle’s table, but I don’t necessarily know my way around the palace. I don’t know what else.” She smiled. “Are you going to share the worst part of courting you?”
“Yes,” I said. “Do you have any idea what will happen to your privacy?”
“An idea, yes. How I’ll really feel about it? No.”
“How do you feel about this: you aren’t my only suitor, but I better be yours.”
“You are,” she said. “Keep going.”
“Father seems to enjoy sending me away from Barrish.”
“And, if you were to choose me, would I go with you?”
“I would want you to, at least some of the time.”
“I’ve never been more than a day’s ride from Flarvor,” she said. “I think I’d love to go with you.”
* * * *
We talked for another hour, until Ms. Pelonden stepped in. “I’m sorry, Your Highness, but you have an appointment.”
“Thank you, Ms. Pelonden,” I said. “Sergeant, clear the room, please.”
Mariya didn’t argue with me. Everyone stepped out, leaving me alone with Lyndis. Then I stood, offering a hand to her, before leading her towards the door. But then I turned towards her. “I want to teach you something? This is a greeting between close friends in Ressaline.” She didn’t say anything but simply nodded. And so I taught her the cheek brush, kissing the second ear. She stood very still, and I whispered, “Have I offended you?”
“No. I would accept a different style of kiss.”
“Good, because that’s why I cleared the room.” I moved my hand to the back of her head, and then I brushed our cheeks before my lips found hers.
As first kisses go, it was
sweet and somewhat innocent. But it was nice, and when we parted, she was smiling. But then she said, “You’ve probably had better kisses.”
“And yet, I’m looking forward to the next one, Lyndis.”
“Good,” she replied.
I tucked her hand in my arm and led her to the palace steps myself.
* * * *
I smiled at Shalendra. She smiled back. “You don’t usually invite yourself here,” she said.
“I needed to talk to you about a few things,” I replied.
“We’re seeing each other tomorrow night.”
“And yet, I didn’t want to wait, but if you don’t have time for me.” I made as if I was going to get up. But she laughed, and so I settled back down.
I told her about Open Court, although I didn’t mention her role, not immediately. When I was done, she grinned and said, “I think I should come watch.”
“Well,” I said slowly. “I want you to consider something. Do you think I would have made a special request to see you over something three weeks from now if not for a special reason?”
“Oh, I suppose not, but I don’t understand.”
“It has been suggested that Ahlianna and I be escorted by one of our most serious suitors, just like Mother escorts Father.”
Her eyes widened. “If I’m not mistaken, I’m your only serious suitor.”
“Mother will be making those decisions,” I explained. “She may decide it should vary. She hasn’t said.”
She cocked her head. “It has been suggested is not the same as it has been decided.”
“Well, it has been… um… both.”
She laughed. “Assuming your mother decides I should attend with you, what would I do?”
“I can tell you what Mother does,” I said. “First, it is formal. I wear one of my best daytime gowns. We collect together and descend. As it would only be you and I, we would enter together from the back entrance, and then we sit together.”
“That doesn’t sound too hard so far.”
“Father’s staff accepts petitioners in random order, with priority to those who haven’t had time in previous months, with no regard for station or topic. I may do things slightly differently. But petitioners come forward, one at a time, and present their case. It can be anything.” I gave her a few examples.
“And your mother’s role? Or mine?”
“Mother serves a few roles. Most obvious is simple unity with the king. She never argues with Father in public. Never.”
“Right.”
“In private, that can be different, although that is also rare, at least in front of me.”
“Sure.”
“When a petitioner needs help with a point of protocol, it is usually Mother that offers guidance and rarely Father. I probably know the protocols better than you do, however.”
“Only ‘probably’?”
I shrugged. “I think you and Mother should spend a little time together, and maybe prior to Ahlianna’s first time in two weeks, and I think we should attend so you can see.”
“Assuming I’m to attend with you the following week.”
“Well, even if not.”
She shook her head. “Whoever your mother chooses for the first time should attend with you, whether that is me or someone else.”
“Well, my intention is for it to be you.”
“But it isn’t your decision you said.”
“Well. So, Mother helps with points of protocol. Some people need help.”
“They forget to bow?”
“We’ve had men curtsey. Some kneel instead. And it can get excessive besides.” I explained the basic protocols, and the mistakes some people make. “Mother also helps when someone is clearly nervous. I think you would be very good at that without any outside guidance.”
“I can try.”
“At times, someone simply wants a blessing, or help making a decision. Father may prompt Mother. Would you be comfortable with that?”
“No one is going to want my blessing.”
“Maybe not, but for blessings, both of them offer.”
“This doesn’t sound terribly difficult. I bet your role is more complicated.”
“Father makes it look easy, but I think I’m going to discover you’re right,” I replied.
She’d been smiling for a while, a broad, full smile. When she spoke next, I could hear the awe in her voice. “This is starting to get serious, Darfelsa. I’ve attended a few official events with you, but this is a lot more than that.”
“You’re right. It is. And I take it you’re comfortable with that.”
“I bet I’m going to be nervous when it arrives,” she replied. “I don’t want to embarrass you.”
“You won’t. Just don’t yawn. Whatever you do, don’t yawn.”
“Oh, my,” she replied. “And I’m going to be nervous the night before and sleep poorly. I think maybe I’ll carry a fan.”
I laughed. “Ahlianna used to do that until Mother made her stop, but I’m not Mother.” I paused. “Shalendra, Mother will have spies in the chamber, and they’ll be watching you, not me.”
“Oh sure, make me even more nervous.”
“Sorry,” I said.
“So. Don’t embarrass you, and don’t publicly disagree with you.”
“Father has signals he uses with us. I probably shouldn’t teach them to you, but we can make our own. I’ll think about that.”
“Sure. I so want to kiss you right now.”
“Maybe you should, then.”
We didn’t just kiss, but no clothing was dislodged before we found ourselves hugging tightly. “Darfelsa,” she whispered.
I tightened for a moment but then pushed her away. “I said I had a few things I wanted to discuss.”
“We have to get serious now?”
“I’m afraid so. You’re not going to like this next one as much. I had Mother remove one of my suitors from the list. She seemed particularly pleased to add the next one. I thought you should know from me before you heard it elsewhere.”
“Is it some exotic prince from Karishten?”
“No. Her name is Lyndis.”
“Her name,” Shalendra echoed, somewhat woodenly.
“It wasn’t my idea.”
“Letting me court you wasn’t your idea, either,” she said with an edge to her tone. I waited. “Have you met her?”
“Yesterday afternoon.”
She turned away, and even moved away from me a little. I couldn’t say I blamed her. “Is she pretty?” I didn’t want to answer, and when I hesitated, she spun her head to me, her eyes flashing. “It’s not like I won’t find out for myself, Darfelsa. Is she pretty?” She didn’t quite yell the last words.
“Yes.”
“You like her.”
“I barely know her.”
“Don’t play that game with me,” she said sharply.
“This wasn’t my idea.”
“Do. You. Like. Her?”
“Yes, but I want you to attend Open Court with me, not her.”
I’m not sure whether that mollified her or not. “What is her whole name? Who is she?”
“She’s a sword maker.”
“A sword maker?” Shalendra echoed. “Name?”
“Lyndis Olarora, niece to Lord Bijean.”
“A lord’s niece, but she’s a sword maker?”
“It’s a little convoluted.”
“Uncle is a pretty clean connection.”
“Her father’s sister’s husband.”
“The sister married up.”
“The sister’s father was the guild master.”
“She has better connections than I do.”
“It’s not a competition.”
“Of course it’s a competition, Darfelsa, and you know it.” She sighed. “I knew that when I got into this. I just didn’t think I’d get this far.”
“Shalendra, she’s not the one who will attend my first Open Court. I’ll make sure Mother knows that is to
be you. And she’s not the one who I’ve asked to go to Ressaline with me.”
“Where you’re going to give me to someone else.”
“I had the impression you wanted to go. Have you changed your mind?”
“Not if it means you’re going to invite someone else instead.”
“Is that the only reason you want to go?”
“No,” she said. She stood up and walked to the window, staring outside. I stared at her back then stood up and followed her, but she held out her hand. “Don’t touch me.” And so, I stood still, staring at her back, and entirely unsure what to do. I began to wonder if I should leave. Or perhaps ignore the order to not touch her.
But then she turned. There were tears crawling down her cheeks. I felt horrible for that. “I never worried about any particular man. Oh, I worried your parents would force you to choose a man after all, but I was never worried about any of them. But this is what I’ve feared, or that someone from your past would show up.”
“She did, and I sent her home.”
“Yes, well, I think you’ve had a greater past than one woman who was too stupid to realize what she was giving up,” Shalendra said. She took two steps towards me. “Well, I’m not stupid. I know what’s going on. You still need to make the right choice, not just for yourself, but for your position. Frankly, I don’t think a sword maker, regardless of her connections, is a better fit for your position than I am. But I also don’t think your mother is done putting real competition in front of you, either.”
She stepped forward again, stopping with us just touching. I looked into her eyes, not moving. “If your parents let you, would you propose marriage to me?”
“Not until you have a better idea of what you’d be getting yourself into,” I replied.
“What if I’m not very good at some of those duties at first?”
“I’m not worried about that. I’m fairly sure you can learn anything you want.”
She nodded. “And once I do know what I’d be getting myself into, as you put it?”
“Then yes.”
“Then I guess we’re stepping it up, aren’t we?”
“I guess we are.”
“Good. Do you have to be anywhere?”
“Not until dinner.” I smiled. “Care to share dinner with my family?”
“Let’s see if I can walk by the time you’re done making me forget about what’s-her-name.” And then she pulled me to her.